Mike and Margee Cullinan

Congratulations to long-time Heart of Illinois United Way supporters – Mike and Margee Cullinan – our 2021 McCord Philanthropists of the Year! As donors, volunteers, and sponsors, they have been part of our organization for more than 30 years.

In honor of the McCord Family’s long-standing support of central Illinois, this annual United Way award was named the McCord Philanthropists of the Year in 2018 to recognize the legacy of the Michel and Kay McCord. At the heart of their work, rooted in love, was a constant commitment to the community. Those honored with this award emulate the McCord’s values.

Established in 2007, the Philanthropists of the Year award recognizes members of the United Way’s Tocqueville Society who are committed to the health and well-being of central Illinois. The award honors individuals or couples for their leadership, dedication, and inspiration – thereby creating a lasting impact on the quality of life in our community. For a list of previous Philanthropist of the Year honorees, click here.

Since 1985, the Heart of Illinois United Way has recognized our community’s unsung heroes who spend countless hours working without fanfare to help others. Our annual Hoot Gibson award is presented in memory of Horace J. “Hoot” Gibson who was the manager of the Peoria IBM office for many years along with being an active volunteer for the United Way.

Heather Ford, this year’s honoree, has much in common with Hoot. Dr. Ford is a Professor of User Experience Design at Bradley University where she teaches and coordinates the User Experience Program for the Department of Interactive Media within the Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts.

With more than twenty years of fine art, digital creative, and UI/UX experience in the commercial and academic sectors, Heather shares her experiences in the methodologies of user experience design and research to not only teach the upcoming generation but to also help local nonprofits with website, mobile, branding, and product design. This past year, she has rebranded Home for All Continuum of Care (part of Heart of Illinois United Way) including a new logo, website, and more. When it came time to launch the new mobile hygiene unit called HOWIE (Hygiene.On.Wheels.Independence.Empowered.) as part of the United Way’s COVID-19 efforts, Heather designed the vehicle’s outer wrap and interior graphics to lend the space a welcoming and inviting atmosphere for individuals experiencing homelessness in central Illinois.

Heather is also an active member of the Continuum’s General Membership and also serves on the Board for Phoenix Community Development Services. She is the first to raise her hand to offer her services when a task or project comes up. And you know when she is at the helm, that the work will be completed well and on time without so much as a reminder or nudge.

This summer, more than 30 companies and partner agencies participated in workplace campaigns. Because of these organization’s generosity, the 2021 Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign has raised more than $1.0 million to-date.

2021 Campaign Pacesetters

Advanced Medical Transport of Central Illinois
Big Brothers Big Sisters, Heart of Illinois
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria, Inc.
CEFCU
Center for Prevention of Abuse
Center for Youth & Family Solutions
Commerce Bank
Community Workshop & Training Center, Inc.
Crittenton Centers
EP!C
FamilyCore
Freedom House
Girl Scouts of Central Illinois
Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois
Habitat for Humanity – Greater Peoria Area
Heart of Illinois United Way
Hult Center for Healthy Living
Junior Achievement of Central Illinois
Midwest Food Bank
Neighborhood House Association
Pearce Community Center
Prairie State Legal Services, Inc.
Quinn Johnston
River City Construction, LLC
RLI
Tazewell County Resource Centers, Inc.
The Salvation Army
Tri-County Peoria Urban League
UnityPlace Human Service Center
UnityPlace Tazwood Center for Wellness
UnityPoint Health – Central Illinois
Vonachen Group